Youth Education
This program engages high school youth (ages 14–18) and young adults (ages 18–30, or up to 35 for veterans) in a shared, community-based experience focused on leadership development, environmental education, and hands-on outdoor learning.
This community-based environmental leadership program connects high school youth and young adults through hands-on outdoor learning, mentorship, and service. Youth Interns explore environmental topics related to the environment, natural resource management, and ecology while building leadership skills and working on projects that make a difference in their communities.
AmeriCorps Youth Education Specialists and Youth Education Leaders serve as mentors and educators, guiding youth through outdoor and environmental education, field-based learning, and community engagement while developing their own professional skills. Together, participants build a shared sense of belonging, stewardship, and responsibility to community and place.
The program is non-residential and based in the Twin Cities metro area, with a summer-intensive experience focused on youth leadership and outdoor learning.
Young adults, ages 18-30 (or veterans ages 18-35), who join the program are committing to a full-time AmeriCorps experience for either a full year or a three-month summer term.
AmeriCorps is a national service program that addresses challenges in our communities through the dedicated service of its members. AmeriCorps members serve directly with nonprofit organizations (like Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa) to tackle our nation’s most pressing challenges. Members join to give back to their communities while gaining a foundation of marketable skills for natural resource careers. All young adults who join this program are enrolled as AmeriCorps members, volunteering to serve their community through environmental stewardship and youth engagement.
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Benefits
AmeriCorps Members (ages 18-30)
Corpsmembers value hard work, community service, and environmental stewardship and join the Corps to give back to the community while gaining life-long skills. Whether looking to jump-start a natural resources career, gain experience leading youth, or simply try something new, Corpsmembers often have a transformational experience leaving them feeling more prepared for whatever comes next.
Training & Certifications
Corpsmembers receive training in youth development, teaching and facilitation, outdoor and environmental education, and personal development skills. Corpsmembers also receive formal training in safety and risk management, First Aid and CPR, defensive driving, leadership and communication, and other skills pertinent to various outdoor projects.
Student Loan Forbearance
Qualified federal student loans may be put on forbearance during an AmeriCorps service term. Individuals should check with their loan holder to determine if their loans are eligible.
AmeriCorps Education Award
After successfully completing an AmeriCorps service term, members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award that can be used to pay for college or technical school or to pay back qualified student loans.
Other benefits include:
- Monthly living allowance
- Health insurance
- Member assistance fund
- Childcare assistance
Youth Interns (ages 14-18)
Youth Interns are compensated starting at $13.50/hour, but may be higher based on age and the program through which they are employed (Step Up, Right Track, or directly through CCMI).
Youth Interns make a difference in their communities, explore future career opportunities in environmental fields, and learn hands-on skills in the outdoors. With guidance from young adult leaders, youth take on a variety of projects that help them develop a sense of belonging and a sense of responsibility to the people and outdoor places in their communities.
Life in the Field
AmeriCorps Members (ages 18-30)
Corpsmembers serve 40 hours per week. A typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for specific events, and members will know in advance when these dates are.
Housing
This is a non-residential program, so AmeriCorps members must secure their own housing within a reasonable commuting distance to the program location.
Youth Interns (ages 14-18)
Youth Interns will work 13-17 hours per week from June to August. A typical schedule is 9:00 am-4:00 pm either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday, with occasional Friday hours throughout the summer.
Location and Transportation
Youth will be responsible for arriving at their home base on time each day they are scheduled to work. Please let us know if transportation to a home base location is a barrier, and we may be able to assist with additional options.
Depending on the day, youth will work either at their home base location or at other locations around the Twin Cities metro area. CCMI staff will provide transportation from the home base site to other work locations and back to the home base site at the end of each day.
2026 Home Base Locations
- Tamarack Nature Center – White Bear Lake, MN
- Harriet Alexander Nature Center – Roseville, MN
- Mississippi Gateway Regional Park – Brooklyn Park, MN
- Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge – Bloomington, MN
How to Apply
AmeriCorps Members (ages 18-30)
Find open positions on our Join page.
Youth Interns (ages 14-18)
Step One: Fill out our interest form.
Step Two: Apply directly to the Step Up program in Minneapolis or the Right Track program in St. Paul. Then select CCMI as your preferred employer.
- Eligibility for Step Up (Minneapolis Residents) – application open February 1st-March 1st
- Eligibility for Right Track (St Paul Residents) – application open February 1st-28th
If you are not eligible for Right Track or Step Up, or you miss the deadline for these programs, you can apply directly through CCMI. This application will open in mid-March and will be posted on this page as well as sent to anyone who filled out the interest form.
Partners
